Carrier Development Specialist

Overview Freight Broker is responsible for leading the carrier lifecycle for NFI’s Brokerage division, including sourcing, onboarding, negotiating, and managing strategic carrier partnerships to achieve operational, service, and profitability goals. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating, selecting, and developing carriers, making commercial and operational decisions that directly impact network capacity, cost management, and customer service delivery. The role reports to the Capacity Manager or Director of Capacity. Responsibilities Carrier Development Exercise independent judgment in researching, analyzing, and selecting carrier partners aligned with NFI’s procurement standards and strategic objectives. Approve and onboard carriers, ensuring compliance with NFI’s qualification and risk requirements, with authority to manage, and offboard carriers that do not meet standards. Develop & maintain a pipeline of targeted carriers that fits NFI Brokerage’s ideal carrier profile and will offer value to our long‑term strategy. Manage carrier mix and capacity allocation to support network optimization and profitability. Manage carrier performance by reviewing market trends, performance analytics/KPI’s, and customer demand forecasts. Negotiate contractual and spot rates within defined margin and profitability thresholds. Meet with carriers to develop their performance based on continuing needs as well as to better understand and effectuate the synergy with NFI Brokerage. Carrier Operations Own daily operational decisions regarding carrier assignments, load coverage strategies, and margin optimization. Use data driven insights on lane and rate trends to optimize carrier placement and support customer growth initiatives with sales and account management. Analyze lane performance, service failures, and carrier scorecards; make recommendations and decisions to enhance service and profitability. Contribute to Quarterly Business Reviews and performance analyses with key carriers; support the management of corrective actions as needed. Identify process improvements and lead operational initiatives that enhance carrier engagement, automation, and efficiency. Exercise discretion in resolving service, compliance, or performance disputes with carriers and internal teams. Champion process improvements, automation tools, and continuous learning culture. Uphold NFI’s service, compliance, and safety standards across all carrier interactions. Carrier Training Serve as a subject matter expert and operational advisor to sales, account management, and operations on capacity strategy and carrier market conditions. Mentor junior capacity and brokerage staff, setting best practices for carrier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management. Participate in budget planning, capacity forecasting, and margin improvement strategies for the brokerage division. Represent NFI Brokerage in carrier and industry events to strengthen network partnerships and visibility. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree required (Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred). 3–5 years of experience in transportation brokerage, carrier management, or logistics operations, preferred working with domestic truckload providers. Demonstrated experience in rate negotiation, margin management, and carrier sourcing strategy. Individual commitment towards sharpening existing or acquiring new skills as required by demands of the business or customers. Market knowledge of truckload lanes and rates. Excellent customer relationship building and account management skills. Strong analytical, financial acumen, and decision‑making skills. Proficient in TMS, Excel, and analytics/reporting tools used in brokerage services. Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem‑solving. Base salary range: $63,697.92 to $75,000.00. NFI considers applicant qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location when determining starting pay. Employees are eligible for a robust benefit program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Paid Parental Leave, among other options. Employees also receive 4 hours of paid time off in Year 1 every bi‑weekly pay period and 8 paid holidays. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals With Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c) LA County Applicants: The Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws. Profit Center PC-5540 #J-18808-Ljbffr